Container having a lid that is openable upon application of a downward force

ABSTRACT

A container having a base and a single-hinged lid. The base has one or more walls that define an interior volume and an opening that permits access to the interior volume. The single-hinged lid is movably attached to the base and the lid at least partially covers the opening in a closed state and permits a user access to the opening in an open state. The lid is transitionable from the closed state to an open state upon the user applying a net downward force to the lid that covers the opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/250,091 filed Oct. 13, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a container, and more specificallyto a container that provides improved functionality by providing aproduct container having a lid that is openable upon application of adownward force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product packaging, such as containers, boxes, and the like, are wellknown in the consumer products art. However, even with the large numberof products which are sold and stored in packages, a number of problemswith different packages still exist. For example, many packages have alid that is either threaded, or that snaps into place. While suchcontainers may provide exceptional sealing and closure properties, onedisadvantage to such containers is that the container often requires twohanded operation for successful opening and closing.

An alternative type of package that provides a high level of ease ofopening is one which is “self opening.”

e in the area of self-opening product packaging. Typically, a packagewhich has an opening mechanism contains a number of components and/orparts—especially in the opening mechanism. Unfortunately, because eachcomponent used adds cost to the package, the more components used, thehigher a package will cost—causing the overall price of a product torise and possibly lose some competitive advantage to competitors'products which may be packaged in more economical packaging. Analternative option to the multiple parts for an opening mechanism is touse a molding process that molds one or more additional materials to theinitial part. One of skill in the art will appreciate that such aprocess may add to the complexity and cost of the mold and part, but canhelp improve the overall cost due to a simplified assembly processes.Furthermore, the use of a second material offers additional consumerbenefit such as an actual and/or perceived seal when the same materialis added to opening areas. While a seal may not be important for allproducts, a moisture barrier is especially helpful for a product such asa wet wipe product because such a product may lose its moisture content(i.e., dry out) if exposed for an extended period of time to the outsideelements. Unfortunately, some products need a high level of ease ofopening and cannot justify the added cost of the secondary mold processor the optional seal. Thus, it may be advantageous for a manufacturer ofmultiple product lines to produce multiple containers to meet financialneeds of the individual product lines.

Some producers provide a package that may open upon application of aforce to the top, rather than to a button, but such packages involve theuse of multiple hinges. While such a container provides the benefit ofrelatively easy one-handed operation, from the consumer's perspective,such a container tends to have a reduced-sized opening due to themultiple-hingedness of the lid. Thus, there exists the need for acontainer that is relatively easy to open, is versatile, inexpensive toproduce, providing easy product access, with a relatively sleek design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the present invention is directed to a containercomprising: (i) a base comprising one or more walls that define aninterior volume and an opening that permits access to the interiorvolume; (ii) a single-hinged lid wherein the lid is movably attached tothe base wherein the lid at least partially covers the opening in aclosed state and permits a user access to the opening in an open state;wherein the lid is transitionable from the closed state to an open stateupon the user applying a force to the lid that covers the opening.

In another embodiment the present invention is directed to a containercomprising: (i) a base comprising one or more walls that define aninterior volume and an opening that permits access to the interiorvolume; (ii) a lid, wherein the lid is movably attached to the basewherein the lid at least partially covers the opening in a closed stateand permits a user access to the opening in an open state; wherein thelid is transitionable from the closed state to an open state upon theuser applying a force to a portion of the lid that covers the opening.

In yet another embodiment the present invention is directed to acontainer comprising a (i) a base comprising a closed bottom, an opentop, a body having an enclosed perimeter between the bottom and the top,a first locking mechanism, and one or more slots in the body whereineach of the one or more slots has a slide surface area; wherein thebottom, top, and body together define an interior volume; (ii) a lidcomprising a second locking mechanism and a hinge wherein the hinge hasa slide surface area; wherein the one or more slots extend around thehinge; wherein the slide surface area of the slots is greater than theslide surface area of the hinge; and wherein the first locking mechanismand second locking mechanism are matably engageable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a containeraccording to the present invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a containeraccording to the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1A taken along line 2A-2A.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1B taken along line 2B-2B.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1A taken along line 2A-2A.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1A taken along line 3A-3A.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1B taken along line 3B-3B.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer according to FIG. 1A taken along line 2A-2A.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a base according tothe present invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a containeraccording to the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a containeraccording to the present invention in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

“Container”, as used herein, refers to any package, box, holder, vessel,envelope, carton, and the like in which at least a portion of a productcan be placed for shipping, transport, storage and/or sale. A containermay be any shape or size that is required for the desired function orproduct and may be, for example, round, square, rectangular. Exemplarycontainers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,968, 6,523,690 and5,785,179 and in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0099596A1 and2005/0067313A1. In one embodiment, the container is constructed from athermal plastic elastomer (TPE) material or from a polyethylene orpolypropylene resin. In another embodiment the lid and/or body may bemolded from a polypropylene material or any other suitable thermoplasticmaterial such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadienestyrene (ABS), polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, orelastomer, or a blend of these compounds. Alternatively, a container maybe made from another material such as wood, metal, or glass. In oneembodiment, a container comprises a base and a lid. One of skill in theart will appreciate that the lid and base may be constructed from thesame, or different, materials. In one embodiment a container of thepresent invention may be operated (i.e., opened and/or closed) byapplying a force to the lid-portion of the container. In anotherembodiment, the force is a non-twisting force. In yet another embodimentstill, the force is a net downward force. This configuration may becompared to many containers in which a button attached to the body isdepressed to operate the container. Exemplary embodiments of suchcontainers are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2007/0278229A1,2008/0128451A1 and 2006/0096984A1.

“Base”, as used herein, refers to a portion of the container which formsthe body of the container. In one embodiment, a base is comprised of afront panel, rear panel, bottom panel, and side panels. In anotherembodiment, a base comprises a closed bottom, an open top, a body havingan enclosed perimeter between the bottom and the top, a first lockingmechanism, and one or more slots in the body wherein each of the one ormore slots has a slide surface area. In yet another embodiment the basecomprises one or more walls that define an interior volume and anopening that permits access to the interior volume. In some embodimentsa base of the present invention may comprise a cavity between the panelsin which product may be stored.

“Lid”, as used herein, refers to a portion of the container which formsthe top and/or cover section of the container. A container having a lidand a base may be configured such that the lid is relative to a base ina way that the container may be in an open configuration or in a closedconfiguration. In one embodiment a lid may be depressed (or otherwisehave some force exerted thereon) to cause the container to go from aclosed state to an open state. A lid may be single-hinged. In otherwords, a lid may have one hinge attached thereto. Such a lid may becompared to, and distinguished from, a double-hinged lid in which a lidhas more than one hinge attached (or integral) thereto. Such anexemplary double-hinged lid is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,873.

“Product”, as used herein, refers to any object, material or substancethat is intended for use by a consumer. In some nonlimiting embodiments,a product may be selected from the group consisting of wipes, napkins,facial tissues, bathroom tissue, paper towels, baby care products,feminine care products, household care products, personal care products,and combinations thereof. Products are described in greater detailinfra.

“Disposed on”, as used herein, refers to the placement or position ofone element relative to another element, where the elements areconnected to or in physical contact with one another. For example, whena first element is disposed on a second element, the first and secondelements may be joined together or formed together to provide anintegral or unitary article. A first element may also be disposed on asecond element when the first element is applied to the second element,for example, by a printing method or a coating method.

“Moisture impermeable”, as used herein, means that an element resistsand, ideally, prevents the passage of liquid and/or gaseous compositions(e.g., water and/or water vapor) from one side of the element to theopposing side of the element. For example, a wipes container for storingwet wipes will typically include one or more walls that resist thepassage and/or penetration of liquid water and water vapor through thewall of the wipes container in order to prevent or at least delaymoisture loss from the wet wipes. Thus, the walls of the container aresaid to be moisture impermeable.

“Wipe”, as used herein, refers a fibrous substrate, for example anonwoven, used for cleaning skin and other surfaces. “Wet-wipe” refersto a wipe that includes more than 10% of a liquid composition by weightof the wet-wipe. The liquid composition may be impregnated into the wipeor the liquid composition may be fugitive (i.e., free to move from oneportion of the wet wipe to another portion).

“Substrate”, as used herein, refers to the underlying material of whichan element or component is made. In a 2-layer laminate structure, forexample, each layer of the laminate may include the same or differentmaterials, which materials may both be substrates. However, it is to beunderstood that in certain embodiments only the base layer of thelaminate may be referred to as the substrate. Additionally, the laminateitself may also be a substrate for use in forming yet another component.

“Nonwoven”, as used herein, refers to a porous, fibrous structure madefrom an assembly of continuous fibers, coextruded fibers, noncontinuousfibers or combinations thereof, without weaving, knitting, or felting.Non-limiting examples of suitable processes for making a nonwoveninclude spunbonding, carding, meltblowing, air laying, wet laying,coform, and the like. The nonwoven structure may comprise one or morelayers of such fibrous assemblies, wherein each layer may includecontinuous fibers, coextruded fibers, noncontinuous fibers andcombinations thereof.

“Elastic member”, as used herein, refers to a component of a package orcontainer which is capable of substantially recovering size and shapeafter deformation. In one embodiment, when used in a container of thepresent invention an elastic member may be used to provide a resistiveforce to one or more components of the container. In another embodiment,an elastic member may be used to provide a resistive force betweencomponents of the container. For example, an elastic member may be usedto provide a resistive force to the lid. In one embodiment, an elasticmember may be rubber, silicone, TPE, or some other polymeric material.In another embodiment, an elastic member may be a spring.

“Slideably engageable”, as used herein, refers to the ability of two ormore components to be engaged in a mating arrangement by sliding onecomponent along another component.

Container

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of a container 10 according to thepresent invention in an open configuration. In the exemplary embodiment,the container 10 may include a base 11. The base 11 comprises a bottom12, a top 19, and a body 14 having an enclosed perimeter between thebottom 12 and the top 19. Put another way, the base 11 comprises one ormore walls that define an interior volume. The top 19 of the base 11 mayoptionally comprise an opening 19 a through which any product may beextracted from, or placed into, the container 10. The exemplarycontainer 10 of FIG. 1A also includes a lid 20 hingedly and/or movablyconnected to the body of the base 11. In one embodiment the lid 20 is asingle-hinged lid that at least partially covers the opening 19 a whenthe container 10 is in a closed state and permits a user access to theopening 19 a when the container 10 in an open state. In the embodimentshown in

FIG. 1 A, the lid 20 is attached to the base 11 by a single hinge to anysuitable part of the base 11 and the lid is a unitary member. That is,the lid 20 does not comprise an additional hinge. In another embodiment,the lid is transitionable from the closed state to an open state uponthe user applying a force to a portion of the lid 20 that covers theopening 19 a.

Access to the interior volume may be beneficial so that a consumer mayaccess product(s) disposed therein. For example, such a container 10 mayhold a wipes product and when a supply of wipes is depleted within thecontainer 10, the container 10 may be refilled with replacement wipes.

The exemplary container 10 may also comprise a first locking mechanism30 a and a second locking mechanism 30 b. The first locking mechanism 30a may be attached to, and may extend from, the base 11. The secondlocking mechanism 30 b may be attached to, and may extend from, the lid20. The first and second locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b may be juxtaposedsuch that they are slideably engageable to secure the container 10 in a“closed” state (i.e., the lid 20 and base 11 overlap) (FIG. 1B).Additionally, the first and second locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b areslideably disengageable to allow the container to transition from a“closed” state (FIG. 1B) to an “open” state (FIG. 1A).

The exemplary container 10 may also optionally comprise a sealing member23. The container may be used to provide a means for storage anddispensing of wet wipes products, or some other product with relativelyhigh moisture content. In such an instance, by providing a compressiblepolymeric member 23 around the opening 19 a through which product may beextracted will improve the retention of moisture of such a wet wipesproduct.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary container 10 of FIG.1A taken along line 2A-2A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, thecontainer 10 includes a base 11 having a bottom 12, a top 19, and a body14 having an enclosed perimeter between the bottom 12 and the top 19.The top 19 further comprises an opening 19 a wherein a consumer mayaccess the product 50 disposed in the base cavity 52 of the container10. The base 11 includes one or more hinges 43 extending therefrom. Thelid 20 may be hingedly connected to the base 11. In the exemplaryembodiment, the lid 20 comprises one or more extending slots 41. In theexemplary embodiment the one or more extending slots 41 may extendaround the one or more hinges 43. In one embodiment a slot 41 furthercomprises a locking nub 41 a. In some embodiments a locking nub 41 a mayprovide stability to the lid as it opens. In particular, the locking nub41 a may hold the lid in place so that the locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 bmay be more easily separated before the elastic member pulls the lidback to the closed position. In other words, this locking nub 41 a maygive the locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b time to start vertical orrotational motion to clear each other. The first and second lockingmechanisms 30 a, 30 b may extend from any area of the base 11 and/or lid20 (respectively) that may be suitable for allowing the lockingmechanisms to matably engage.

Both the slots 41 and hinges 43 have a so-called slide surface area. Inthe case of a slot 41, the slide surface area of the slot 41 is thesurface area of the opening in the same plane as the wall the slot 41 isin. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the slide surfacearea of the slot is measured as the surface area the slot 41 (or thehinge 43) occupies in the y-z plane. In the case of a hinge, the slidesurface area is the surface area of the hinge 43 is the area measured inthe y-z plane (as shown in FIG. 2A). In other words, the slide surfacearea of the hinge 43 is the area of the cross-section of the hinge, thecross section taken along the axis of the hinge 43. In one embodiment, aslot 41 may have a slide surface area that is larger than the slidesurface area of a corresponding hinge 43.

Comparing the ratio of the slide surface area of the hinge 43 and theslide surface area of the slot 41 may be an efficient way to describethe distance that the hinge must travel relative to the slot and/or sizeof the hinge regardless of the size and/or shape of the slot. Byproviding a slot 41 with a slide surface area greater than the slidesurface area of the corresponding hinge 43, the lid 20 will be slideablerelative to the slot 41. In one embodiment the slot 41 has a surfacearea of from 1.1 to about 50 times the slide surface area of the hinge43. In another embodiment, the slot 41 has a slide surface area of fromabout 1.1 to about 25 times the slide surface area of the hinge 43.

In one embodiment the container 10 further comprises an elastic member45 which may provide a resistive force to the lid 20. In the exemplaryembodiment, the lid 20 may be moved and/or slid and/or rotated and/orpivoted relative to the hinge 43. In one embodiment the lid 20 comprisesa slot 41 which may be juxtaposed at an angle α or be configured suchthat the hinge 43 may move relative to the slot 41 at an angle α. One ofskill in the art will appreciate the fact that α depends on the relativedirection which the slot will move relative to the hinge. This isexemplified in FIG. 2C wherein the slot 41 is sloping in the oppositedirection compared to the slot in FIG. 2A, but α is the same measurementin both embodiments. By convention α is measured as the smallest anglerelative to the x-axis. In another embodiment α is from about 10° toabout 80° . In still another embodiment α is from about 20° to about 40°

In a particular embodiment the first and second locking mechanisms 30 a,30 b comprise first and second tabs 30 aa, 30 bb (respectively) whichprovide a means for mechanical mating engagement of the first and secondtabs 30 a, 30 b. In one embodiment the locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b andtabs 30 aa, 30 bb are juxtaposed such that the tabs engage at an angleβ. In one embodiment β is from about 10° to about 80° . In anotherembodiment still, β is from about 20 to about 40. By providing β suchthat β is similar to α (i.e., α≈β or α=β) or in another embodimentwherein α>β the lid will engage/disengage with relative ease uponapplication of force to the lid because the lid will move along thehinge 43 resulting in the first locking mechanism 30 a sliding relativeto the second locking mechanism 30 b. Once the locking mechanisms 30 a,30 b are no longer in contact, the elastic member 45 provides resistanceagainst the lid 20, causing the lid 20 to open. In one embodiment thelength of the tabs 30 aa, 30 bb and the length of the slot 41 are aboutthe same or are relatively similar. In another embodiment the length ofthe tabs 30 aa, 30 bb (in one embodiment, the length by which the tabsengage) is less than the length of the slot. The hinge may slide adistance that is greater than the length by which the locking mechanisms30 a, 30 b engage to provide for relatively efficient opening andclosing. By providing such dimensions, the container lid will berelatively easy to engage/disengage.

In one embodiment, a force may be applied to the lid 20 when thecontainer 10 is in an open configuration in order to close the container10. The lid 20 may be pushed such that the lid 20 rotates about thehinge 43 and the first and second locking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b arebrought into contacting engagement. Upon continued application of forceto the lid 20, the lid 20 will slide the slot 41 about the hinge and thelid 20 will engage with the elastic member 45. As the lid moves alongthe slot 41 about the hinge 43, the first and second locking mechanisms30 a, 30 b are in sliding engagement until the first tab 30 aa passesthe end of the second tab 30 bb and the elastic member 45 exerts aresistive force against the lid 20 which may cause the lid 20 to moveback and subsequently provide engagement between the first and secondlocking mechanisms 30 a, 30 b.

FIG. 2B shows an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of thecontainer of FIG. 1B taken along line 2B-2B. The configuration of partsin the embodiment of FIG. 2B is as described in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an exemplary alternative embodiment of a cross sectional viewof the container 10 of FIG. 1A taken along line 3A-3A. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 3A, the container 10 includes a base 11 comprising abottom 12, a top 19, and a body 14 having an enclosed perimeter betweenthe bottom 12 and the top 19. The exemplary container 10 of FIG. 1A alsoincludes a lid 20 hingedly connected to the body 14 of the base 11. Thetop 19 of the base 11 may optionally comprise an opening 19 a throughwhich any product may be extracted from, or placed into, the container10. The base 11 includes one or more slots 41 provided therein. In theexemplary alternative embodiment, the lid 20 comprises one or morehinges 43 and the one or more extending slots 41 may extend around theone or more hinges 43.

FIG. 3B shows an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of thecontainer of FIG. 1B taken along line 3B-3B. The configuration of partsin the embodiment of FIG. 3B is as described in FIG. 3A.

Surprisingly, it was found that by providing a container as exemplifiedsupra, a user could open the container with relative ease by simplyapplying a force to the lid.

The container may be constructed of any material suitable for theproduct being contained by the container. In one embodiment thecontainer is constructed from a moisture impermeable material, such as apolymeric material. In one embodiment, the container is constructed froma thermoplastic resin such as a polyethylene or polypropylene resin. Inanother embodiment the lid and/or body may be molded from apolypropylene material or any other suitable thermoplastic material suchas polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene styrene (ABS),polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or elastomer, or a blendof these compounds.

Elastic Member

FIG. 4A shows an overhead view of an exemplary embodiment of a base 11according to the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment theelastic member 45 is supported by a plurality of elastic membersupporting members 45 a which may be attached to, or extending from, anysuitable portion of the base 11. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of anexemplary container 10 comprising an elastic member 45. The lid 20further comprises a hooking mechanism 22 wherein the hooking mechanism22 engages with the elastic member 45. The embodiment of FIG. 4B isparticularly efficient because by positioning the elastic member 45 nearthe hinges, a relatively low amount of force will be required to openthe lid 20.

Base: Alternative “Easy Loading” Embodiment

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acontainer 10 having a base 11 wherein the base 11 comprises a firstsection 11 a and a second section 11 b, the intersection at which ispartially and/or totally separable and/or openable. FIG. 5A shows thebase in a closed configuration. FIG. 5B shows the base 11 in an openconfiguration. By providing such an embodiment, referred to as a “lid ina lid” embodiment, it may be relatively easier and/or faster for thecontainer 10 to be loaded with a product. In the exemplary embodiment,once the product is loaded, the lid 20 may be closed and product may beaccessed through an opening 19 a by opening and closing the lid 20. Inone embodiment, a base may have multiple and/or movable sections.

Sealing Member

In some embodiments the present invention container may include asealing member of the present invention may be of any shape. In oneembodiment, the sealing member may be annular such that it surrounds anopening in the top panel of the container. The sealing member may bemade of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the sealing member mayhave relatively good elastic properties and resistance to volatilesolvents, in one embodiment the sealing member is made of a rubber-basedmaterial or of some polymeric material. In another embodiment thesealing member may be a silicon gasket.

In one embodiment, a sealing member may be obtained by mixing a curableliquid form organopolisiloxane and a liquid form silicon basedcross-linker curing agent. One of skill in the art may appreciate thatthe cure chemistry of the silicon gasket is a condensation reaction ofOH-terminated poly-alkyl-siloxanes with functional poly-alkoxy-silanes.A catalyst may be used to facilitate such reactions. In yet anotherembodiment the sealing member may be applied as a pre-formed, solidcomponent which may be fit and/or mated to the lid.

In still another embodiment, a sealing member may be constructed from aTPE or TPR material. This embodiment may be useful because the sealingmember is constructed from the same molding technology as the container.

Product

In one embodiment, a container of the present invention may be used tohold any product or good that may be desired. For example, a presentinvention container may be used to hold paper products. Exemplary paperproducts may be selected from the group consisting of: paper towels,facial tissues, bathroom tissue, cleaning cloths, lens cloths, low-lintcloths, sanitary tissue products, wet wipes, wipes, the like, andcombinations thereof.

In another nonlimiting embodiment, a container of the present inventionmay be used to hold product selected from the group consisting of:household cleaners, laundry tablets, dish tablets, deodorizers,combinations thereof, and the like. In yet another nonlimitingembodiment, a container of the present invention may be used to holdproduct selected from the group consisting of: foodstuffs, candy,vitamins, the like, and combinations thereof. In still anothernonlimiting embodiment, a container of the present invention may be usedto hold hardware, bolts, screws, tools, the like, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, a product as envisioned by the presentinvention excludes waste products and/or waste materials.

Product: Wipes

In some nonlimiting embodiments, the products used with a container ofthe present invention may be wipes. Commonly known consumer wipes, suchas dry or pre-moistened wipes may be disposable and/or dispersibleand/or flushable. In another embodiment the products may be wet wipes.Various different types of disposable wiping products such as, forexample, wipes, facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, and napkinsare commonly used by consumers. Such wiping products can include dryproducts or saturated or pre-moistened wiping products. Saturated orpre-moistened wiping products are used in a variety of different wipingand polishing applications. Pre-moistened wipes are commonly sold in astack of individual, folded sheets packaged in a plastic container foruse as baby wipes. In other applications, the wipes are treated with anantibacterial agent and packaged as a sanitary wiper. Whether the wipingproducts are wet or dry, it may be desirable to provide a container forstoring and dispensing the wiping products. Such wipes may also includearticles used for application of substances to the body, including butnot limited to application of make-up, skin conditioners, ointments,medications and mixtures thereof Such wipes may also include articlesused for the cleaning or grooming of pets, and articles used for thegeneral cleansing of surfaces and objects, such as household kitchen andbathroom surfaces, eyeglasses, exercise and athletic equipment,automotive surfaces and the like. Such wipes may also be used in thehospital or clinical environment to clean up bodily fluids and the like.

The wipes products may comprise man-made fibers, natural fibers andcombinations thereof, and may or may not be biodegradable. Nonlimitingexamples of man-made fibers include: rayon, which in turn includes butis not limited to viscose, lyocell and mixtures thereof;polyhydroxyalkanoates; polylactic acid; polyester; and mixtures thereof.Non-limiting examples of natural fibers include: pulp, cotton, wool,silk, jute, linen, ramie, hemp, flax, camel hair, kenaf, and mixturesthereof. Non-thermoplastic fibers that are of use in the presentinvention are selected from the group consisting of: rayon, which inturn includes but is not limited to viscose, lyocell and mixturesthereof; pulp; cotton; wool; silk; jute; linen; ramie; hemp; flax; camelhair; kenaf; and mixtures thereof.

The wipes may be folded and stacked in a common container such as a tub.The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may be folded inany of various known folding patterns, such as C-folding and Z-folding.Use of a Z-fold pattern may enable a folded stack of sanitary tissueproducts to be interleaved with overlapping portions. One of skill inthe art will appreciate that any paper product, and not just wipes, maybe folded as described and provided in a present invention container ifit is so required.

The wipes of the present invention may further comprise a surfacecomprising a design, such as a surface pattern and/or prints, which mayprovide aesthetic appeal. Nonlimiting examples of prints includefigures, patterns, letters, pictures and combinations thereof. Further,the sanitary tissue products may comprise emboss patterns and/ortexture.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “typically”,“generally”, and “often” are not utilized herein to limit the scope ofthe claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical,essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimedinvention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted thatterms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to representthe inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A container comprising: (i) a base comprising a closed bottom, anopen top, a body having an enclosed perimeter between the bottom and thetop, a first locking mechanism, and one or more slots in the body,wherein each of the one or more slots has a slide surface area; whereinthe bottom, top, and body together define an interior volume; and (ii) alid comprising a second locking mechanism and a hinge wherein the hingehas a slide surface area; wherein the one or more slots extend aroundthe hinge; wherein the slide surface area of the slots is greater thanthe slide surface area of the hinge; wherein the first locking mechanismand second locking mechanism are engageable; and, wherein the slot isjuxtaposed at an angle α and wherein the first locking mechanism and thesecond locking mechanism are juxtaposed at an angle β wherein α is aboutgreater than or equal to β.
 2. The container according to claim 15wherein the hinge is movable relative to the one or more slots.
 3. Thecontainer according to claim 13 wherein the base further comprises anelastic member, wherein the elastic member extends from a first point inthe body to a second point in the body and wherein the elastic member iscapable of providing a resistive force to the lid.
 4. (canceled)
 5. Thecontainer according to claim 1 wherein the first locking mechanism thesecond locking mechanism are slideably engageable.
 6. The containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the container is transitionable from aclosed state to an open state upon application of a force on the lid. 7.The container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the one ormore slots further comprises a locking nub.
 8. The container accordingto claim 1 wherein the slot is provided such that the hinge is slideablefor a distance that is greater than the length by which the lockingmechanisms engage.